Supporting Ex-offenders into Employment
Every three months, approximately 12,000 individuals are released from custody in England and Wales. However, new data from the Ministry of Justice reveals that only 26% of these individuals are in employment six months after their release. Unfortunately, many ex-offenders face a future of unemployment, underemployment, and reliance on benefits, with significant social and economic costs to themselves, the wider community, and the economy at large.
The data also highlights the critical link between unemployment and reoffending. A staggering 34% of individuals who are unemployed six weeks after release from prison are likely to reoffend, compared to just 17% of those who secure employment. With the annual cost of reoffending in England and Wales estimated at £18 billion, addressing the issue of unemployment among prison leavers is vital to reducing reoffending and its associated costs.
In the construction industry, an estimated 224,900 new workers are needed by 2027—approximately 44,980 per year—just to meet projected demand. Training and employing ex-offenders in this sector offers the opportunity to tap into a pool of skilled, but often overlooked, talent. This initiative would help fill the skills gap in the construction industry.
To make real progress in breaking down barriers to employment for ex-offenders, we must challenge existing perceptions and recognize that many individuals possess valuable skills, either developed before or acquired during their time in prison. At Seddon, in partnership with our social enterprise recruitment agency We are Footprint, we are committed to helping break down these barriers by engaging with and providing training for people with convictions.
2024 Prison Engagement
Forest Bank Prison, Salford
In collaboration with the charity Groundwork, Seddon has delivered a series of Construction Bootcamps at Forest Bank Prison, providing prisoners with workshops that outline potential career pathways into the construction industry. We also offer tailored support, including one-on-one sessions to discuss personal aspirations, explore long-term career goals, and provide CV writing and interview preparation. Upon release We are Footprint continue to support these individuals as they reintegrate into society and the workforce.
Thorn Cross Prison, Warrington
Through the UK’s Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) programme, which allows eligible prisoners to temporarily leave custody under strict conditions for work or training, Seddon has facilitated multiple sessions for participants. These sessions explore career opportunities in construction, work placement options, and the employment support available post-release.
Risley Prison, Warrington
At Risley Prison, Seddon has delivered career development sessions aimed at helping prisoners recognize their transferable skills and strengths that could be applied within the construction industry. Through personalized support, we encourage individuals to raise their aspirations, identify their capabilities, and plan for a positive future in the sector.
Berwyn Prison, Wrexham
In October 2024, Seddon participated in the Berwyn Prison Construction Employment Event, held in the prison's Resettlement Hub. This event brought together eight companies and twenty-two candidates, all seeking employment or training opportunities post-release. We were proud to be part of this initiative, helping bridge the gap between prison and employment for individuals eager to build a better future.
At Seddon, we are dedicated to not only providing employment opportunities for ex-offenders but also to fostering a more inclusive and supportive construction industry that benefits both individuals and society as a whole. By breaking down the barriers to work, we help unlock the potential of a workforce that is often overlooked, ultimately contributing to reduced reoffending, stronger communities, and a more resilient economy. We look forward to continuing our work in this area and expanding the opportunities available to ex-offenders, with a focus on sustainable reintegration and long-term success.
At Seddon, we are dedicated to not only providing employment opportunities for ex-offenders but also to fostering a more inclusive and supportive construction industry that benefits both individuals and society as a whole. By breaking down the barriers to work, we help unlock the potential of a workforce that is often overlooked, ultimately contributing to reduced reoffending, stronger communities, and a more resilient economy. We look forward to continuing our work in this area and expanding the opportunities available to ex-offenders, with a focus on sustainable reintegration and long-term success.
Nicola Hodkinson
Owner/Director
Seddon
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
